As Nikon and Atomos have announced, the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras will output RAW video signal via HDMI and the Atomos Ninja V will record it in high-quality ProRes RAW format. During CP+ we spoke with Shoji-san from Nikon, about this new capability. Please note that CP+ is a local show taking place in Japan and as such, most Japanese company representatives speak Japanese only. We chose to highlight this subject and bring you the video in Japanese with English subtitles. (Please turn CC on if needed)
As you might already know, in January 2019 Nikon and Atomos have announced that the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras will be able to output RAW signal through HDMI and the Atomos Ninja V recorder will be able to record that stream as a high-quality ProRes RAW video. My colleague Olaf wrote a nice article about the announcement titled “Why Atomos ProRes RAW Recording for Nikon Z7 and Z6 Could Change our Industry”. Give it a read if you haven’t already.
Shoji-san states that Nikon received feedback from their pro photographers, who are being asked to also shoot video next to photo, by their clients, nowadays. That’s why Nikon decided to include pro video features in their cameras. As the company does not have any cinema cameras range to protect, they can include whatever innovative feature they can, in their mirrorless cameras.
At the moment, both Nikon cameras record in 8-bit H.264 internally and up to 10-bit with N-log externally in ProRes 4:2:2. Soon, these cameras will be able to output 12-bit RAW signal and the Atomos Ninja V will record the footage into ProRes RAW. The function was developed together with Atomos. We didn’t get any information on when exactly the RAW output will be available, yet.
One important piece of information Shoji-san did share with us (without disclosing too much about future plans), is that Nikon is closely looking at the possibility of including high-quality internal recording in their future cameras. Reading between the lines, we won’t be surprised if some sort of internal high quality recording will be available within a reasonable timeframe…
What do you think of Nikon cameras outputting high-quality RAW signal? Would you consider buying one of their cameras because of the new feature? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

The outdoor activity camera concept from Canon will be a customizable rugged and waterproof camera with big carabiner on its body.
During CP+ 2019 show in Japan, among other camera concepts, Canon presented their outdoor activity camera concept. Saki from cinema5D talked with Watanabe-san from Canon development team about this new concept camera and its features. Please note, that CP+ is a local show taking place in Japan and as such, most japanese company representatives speak japanese only. We chose to highlight this product and bring you the video in japanese with english subtitles.
Canon Outdoor Activity Camera
There are unfortunately not many technical details about this camera yet as it is still in the development stage. Canon only presented this device as a concept. We did not find out what kind of sensor is going to be inside, but my bet is somethng like the GoPro’s 1/2.3″ sensor size. The camera will have a fixed focal length lens. As we found out Canon aims to have 1080p 60fps recording capability in the device when it gets released. That’s all the information there is for now regarding image quality.
Canon is positioning this particular camera for situations where it is difficult to use smartphone for taking photos and filming. Watanabe-san mentioned snowy mountains, swimming pool or sea side. Therefore the camera body is waterproof and rugged. The camera’s design includes a rather big carabiner on the side that allows it to be clipped almost anywhere.
The front cover is removable and it is being held in place by magnets. Canon is aiming to offer many custom aftermarket designs to easily exchange the front panel and cutomize the look of the camera’s front panel. It will be available in various colors and designes – at CP+ only black, green and blue designs were presented, but Canon is considerng bringing even more designs when the camera gets released. As we can see on the photo – the black version of the camera – has a floating accessory mounted. That means when the camera gets dropped in the water, it will not sink to the bottom, but it will float. Kind of like the floating back for GoPro cameras.
On the back we can see a simple dial to switch between different camera modes. The camera will record the media to microSD cards. Slot for the card is on one of the short sides of the camera. There is no information about the price or availability yet. I expect the price to be rather low given the target group and the design of the camera.
What do you think of this concept outdoor camera from Canon? What specs would it have to include to be interesting for you? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

HAKUBA Dry Softbox is a new waterproof camera bag with IPX4 certification and clear window on the side. It comes in two sizes and two colors, but for now it is only available on the japanese market.
HAKUBA is a japanese camera accessories manufacturer. Among other products, they were also presenting their new Dry Softbox during CP+ 2019. Saki from cinema5D talked with Okumura-san from HAKUBA about this new product and its features. Please note, that CP+ is a local show taking place in Japan and as such, most japanese company representatives speak japanese only. We chose to highlight this product and bring you the video in japanese with english subtitles.
HAKUBA Dry Softbox
The HAKUBA Dry Softbox is a waterproof bag for camera gear. Well, basically anything can be put inside to be protected from humidity, but the box has internal padding specially designed to accomodate and protect camera and its accessories.
The company already produces plastic waterproof boxes for camera equipment, which they call Dry Box. That’s why this new product is called Dry Softbox. The closing mechanism of the HAKUBA Dry Softbox uses the same principle as waterproof backpacks for paddlers. You need to kind of roll the opening of the box and then connect both ends of the buckle to seal it.
The Softbox has IPX4 certification. This kind of certification is defined as protection from splashing water, no matter the direction. Just a reminder – the IPX certificates are used to evaluate waterproofness of various products, where the IPX0 means no waterproofness whatsoever and IPX8 means full protection, when immersed in water over 3 feet.
The HAKUBA Dry Softbox comes in two sizes – Medium and Large – and both of them are available in two colors – black and orange. The design of the softbox includes a clear window on the side to quickly see what is inside of the box.
Pricing of the HAKUBA Dry Softbox is 6,300 japanese yen (about $57 USD) for the Large version and 4,900 JPY (about $44 USD) for the Medium size. The product is now only available on the japanese market, but the company is considering to expand to some international markets too.
Personally I am not quite sure about usability of such a camera bag. It protects the camera from water, but obviously I have to take it out if I want to use it and then it is not protected anymore. It depends on the situation of course, but I might prefer some other waterproof bags which will allow me to use my camera, even if the operation might be limited.
What do you think of the HAKUBA Dry Softbox? Did you ever feel the need for such a product? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

Vanguard VEO SELECT is a new line of camera bags designed to be carried in various ways. The bags come in four different sizes and two different colors – black and dark green. They can accomodate camera with lots of accessories and they feature quick access openings and various smaller pockets.
Vanguard is camera accessories manufacturer well known for their tripods and bags. At CP+ 2019 in Japan cinema5D met with Kevin Yeh from Vanguard and we talked a bit about their new line of bags – The Vanguard VEO SELECT.
Vanguard VEO SELECT Bags
The VEO SELECT bags come in four different sizes:
VEO SELECT 35 – Smallest model, that can only be carried as a shoulder bag. Internal dimensions of camera compartment are 360 × 185 × 220 mm (14 1/8”×7 1/4”×8 5/8”), exterior dimension are 380 × 245 × 250 mm (15”×95”×9 7/8”), weight is 1.30Kg (2.87lbs) and maximum loading is 7.00kg (15.43lbs). Aside from camera gear it also offers space for 10″ tablet.
VEO SELECT 41 – Smallest of the three backpack models for one camera body with accessories. Internal dimensions of camera compartment are 275 × 125 × 410 mm (10 7/8”×4 7/8”×16 1/8”), exterior dimensions are 320 × 205 × 420 mm (12 5/8”×8 1/8”×16 1/2”), weight is 1.53Kg (3.37lbs) and max loading is 5.40kg (11.90lbs). The bacpack can also accomodate up to 13″ laptop.
VEO SELECT 45M – Middle sized backpack for one camera body with lots of accessories and lenses. Internal dimensions of camera compartment are 275 × 110 × 440 mm (10 7/8”×4 3/8”×17 3/4”), exterior dimensions are 320 × 190 × 460 mm (12 5/8”×7 1/2”×18 1/8”), weight of the backpack is 1.51Kg (3.33lbs) and max loading is 7.8kg (17.19lbs), There is also place for up to 13″ laptop.
VEO SELECT 49 – Biggest backpack of the line for two camera bodies with many accessories. This is the model we looked at during our interview. Internal dimensions of camera compartment are 290 × 125 × 490 mm (11 3/8” × 4 7/8” × 19 1/4”), exterior dimensions are 340 × 205 × 5050 mm (13 3/8”×8 1/8”×20 3/16”), weight is 1.66Kg (3.66lbs) and max loading is 9.2kg (20.289lbs). This backpack offers also a space for up to 15″ laptop.
As you could clearly see in our video, the three Vanguard VEO SELECT backpacks can be carried in three different ways – as a bag with side handle, on a padded shoulder strap, or as a traditional backpack with two back straps. All backpacks also offer quick side access opening to reach the camera, full rear opening to reach all the stored gear, and various small pockets and top compartment for smaller pieces of gear or personal items and documents. Dividers in the main gear compartment can be repositioned to meet the needs of different gear.
The VEO SELECT line of backpacks can also hold different tripods attached on the side. The material is durable, but overall slim and light and it comes in two colors – black and dark green. All bags come with total coverage rain cover. The material at the bottom of all bags is water- and scratch-resistant and there is a strap to connect the bag to a trolley for convenient moving around.
The bags are already available for purchase on japanese and US market. Price is around $120 USD for the biggest model VEO SELECT 49.
What do you think of the Vanguard VEO SELECT line of bags? Do you use some Vanguard bag already? If yes, how do you like it? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

STC Clip Filters are filter inserts designed for use between camera’s sensor and the lens. There are ND filters in various strengths, Astro filter and infrared filter inserts available. Many DSLR and mirrorless cameras are supported and more are coming soon.
ND filters are a vital component when filming – even on bright sunny days, filmmakers want to stay close to the standard 180 degrees shutter angle for the right motion blur without compromising on the shallow depth of field too. That is impossible to achieve without a light-limiting ND filter. Since the filmmaking world started massively using DSLRs and mirrorless cameras without the internal ND filters known from classic video cameras, there have been few workarounds for that.
Naturally, the first option how to limit light entering the sensor on DSLR or mirrorless body is a classic circular threaded filter screwed in front of the lens. That can work just fine for many scenarios, but not every time. Using these filters makes lens changing longer as the filter needs to be switched to the new lens as well. It gets even more complicated when the lenses have different filter thread sizes. Moreover, for some ultra-wide angle or fisheye lenses, it is impossible to use a front filter without vignetting.
STC Clip Filter Inserts
It appears Taiwanese company STC Optics can offer a solution for such situations. Their STC Clip Filters are specially designed filter inserts made to be used between a camera’s sensor and the lens. Right now, the filter inserts are available for Canon full-frame and APS-C DSLR bodies, Nikon full-frame DSLR bodies, as well as for the Sony a7 series mirrorless cameras. A full list of currently supported cameras can be found here. Inserts for other bodies are in development and coming soon (we have been told in about one or two months) – namely for the new Canon EOS and Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras, Sony APS-C line, Fujifilm APS-C bodies, micro four-thirds bodies, and even FUJIFILM medium format bodies.
As I mentioned, the main advantage of the STC clip filters should be no vignetting or color shift in peripheral areas for ultra-wide angle and fisheye lenses. Mounting and removing the clip filter should be quick and easy. The material used for the filter glass frame is black anodized 304 stainless steel which is virtually non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperatures. The STC clip filters feature high-quality double-sided NANO anti-smudge coating, which is waterproof and grease-proof.
The line-up of clip filters includes ND filters (ND16 ND64, ND400, and ND1000), Astro filter, and an infrared filter UV-IR CUT filter. Note that, when using the clip filters with a DSLR body, only Live View mode will be available as the mirror needs to stay lifted to make place for the insert. The clip filters are available either separately or in sets.
Although we were told STC clip filters are safe, I am personally a bit concerned. I can imagine a scenario when the clip filter insert slips out of my hand during inserting and hits the sensor causing some damage. I also think there could be an increased amount of dust on mirrorless cameras’ sensors when putting things between the sensor and lens.
What do you think of STC clip filters? Does a product like this fit in your workflow? How do you limit light entering the sensor on mirrorless and DSLR bodies? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

GripGear is a very compact, modular, and affordable motorized slider. It can carry lightweight cameras up to 1kg. During CP+ show in Japan, Johnnie Behiri talked with Hitotsuki-San, who now started distributing the GripGear system in Japan, about some of its features.
GripGear motorized slider has been on the market now for about half a year. It is suitable for filmmakers who travel very often and need a very portable motorized slider in their kit. The small size of course also means less payload. The slider can accommodate payloads of up to 1kg in a horizontal position and up to 750g in a vertical position. Yes, that’s right – the slider can operate at various angles and even in vertical position.
GripGear features a modular design, that means multiple tracks can be mounted together to create a longer setup if needed. The slider itself comes with 2 pieces of tracks, additional pieces can be purchased separately. Custom-made track connections enable track extensions over 1.5 meters without additional support, at an angle, thanks to reinforced joints.
The heart of GripGear is the motorised unit. It features 9 speeds ranging from 4mm/s to 1000mm/s and panorama speeds from 141mins per 360 turn to 0.57min/360. Just a side note – their website really claims speed can reach 1000mm/s, but that does not sound right to me. In my opinion, it is a mistake and there is an extra zero. 100mm/s sounds achievable and usable as a maximum speed.
The slider can be controlled wirelessly with an infrared remote control or directly via buttons on the main body. The motor can either stop when it reaches the end of the track, or there is a continuous mode, which auto rebounds the motorized unit in the other direction when the end of the track is reached. GripGear comes with two physical stoppers, which can be clamped on the tracks and define stop points for the motor. The slider includes an internal rechargeable battery. For extended shooting time, the USB connector can be used with most standard power banks.
GripGear can be also used in a dolly mode. The simple dolly cart comes in the package – the motorized unit can be inserted in it and act as a portable dolly. For dolly mode, any of the 9-speeds can be used in automatic mode. Alternatively, flipping the ring upwards when using the Micro Dolly, or releasing the motor clip in other modes allows for manual usage. The wheels of the dolly can be set straight or at a certain angle to allow for curved ride.Last but not least, GripGear’s motor can also function as a 360 panoramic unit. Again, any of the 9-speeds can be used to film 360 panoramic footage. The motor inserts in the 360 mount and the device is ready to use.
GripGear is available for a very interesting price. The complete set (called directors set) is selling for $130 USD, the moviemaker set 2 (without dolly cart) sells for $100 USD and the extra piece of track costs $25 USD.
What do you think of GripGear? Do you use some kind of portable slider when traveling light? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.

At this year’s CP+ we met Sato-san from Marumi to discuss their latest lens protection filter CREATION Lens Protect. While having a protective filter to save your lens front element from harm is always nice, having one with a silicone rubber frame might be even better, for several reasons.
Adding a clear-glass filter in front of your lens in order to protect its precious front element is not exactly a new thing to do. However, since this is a common practice, there may still be some potential for development. This is where the Marumi CREATION filters enter the stage: A silicone rubber covers the entire frame of these clear glass protective filters – not only adding a second protective layer, but also completely sealing the filter itself and thus the front element of your lens from water.
Marumi CREATION Filters
These filters are designed to add protection to your lens but without compromising on image quality. Marumi has a reputation in producing quality glass filters so I have no doubt these new filters are any different.
The new thing here is the silicone rubber coating on the frame itself. According to Sato-san this humble silicone serves not one but two purposes: The filter protects the lens, the silcone rubber frame, however, protects other gear in your bag from being scratched by the frame while transporting your stuff. This might sound a bit odd but these metal edges found on common filter frames tend to be pretty scratchy, indeed..
Secondly, the silcone rubber seals the filter completely from water, as in heavy rain for example. This doesn’t make your lens, or camera, waterproof of course but it helps protecting your lens when shooting in harsh conditions.
Pricing and Availability
These Marumi filters are not available just yet, but the company aims for an August 2019 release. They will be available in common thread sizes but the price is yet to be set. As always with glass filters, it will be very dependent on the size of filter you need for your given lens.
Personally, I’m not very eager to use ‘plain’ protective filters. A filter adds another layer of glass which can result in unwanted reflections and other nasty things. But I must admit, a broken filter is always better than a broken front element of your precious lens.. So depending on the given job, such a filter might be a very good idea to bring along.
links: company website
Do you use protective filters while shooting? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

CP+ 2019 is now over, but we got a first look at the much anticipated Laowa’s new cine-mod lenses. Explicitly designed for filmmakers, let’s take a look at these three new exciting Laowa lenses.
Back in September 2018 from Photokina, we already reported about these new lenses. Now it looks like the team at Laowa put a lot of hard work and dedication to release their first cine glass primes.
All three are cine-mod versions of the existing photo lenses. While the three lenses are still in development, they all feature a step-less aperture rings and focus rings with standard 0.8 mod gears for use with follow-focus systems. Also, all three are entirely manual and have no electronic connections with the camera.
Finally, these lenses are rectilinear – except the 9mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine which is close to zero but not perfectly rectilinear – making them perfect for shooting architecture, landscapes or real-estate videos.
Laowa 7.5mm t/2.1 Cine (MFT Mount)
The Laowa 7.5mm t/2.1 Cine is a compact and lightweight MFT mount lens. The photography version, which is already available, is the widest rectilinear lens available for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
The Cine version shares the same optical construction and performances as the still version. It weighs only 0.4lbs/180g, so it looks like a perfect lens for gimbal use. The minimum focus distance is 12cm.
Laowa 9mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine (Sony E Mount)
The Laowa 9mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine is one of the widest lens available for Sony E Mount cameras. It features two aspherical elements and three extra-low dispersion elements to correct chromatic aberration and be able to deliver images with nearly zero distortion. It weighs only 0.55lbs/250g, and the minimum focus distance is also 12cm.
Laowa 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine (PL & EF Mount)
Finally, the Laowa 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine which is Laowa’s first PL mount lens. The lens will also be available in EF mount. This giant piece of glass covers full-frame sensors. It is so big you can even use this lens with a RED Weapon Dragon 8K, and it’s one-of-a-kind VistaVision’s sensor.
The lens offers an ultra-wide 122° angle of view, making it one of the world’s largest and fastest available option for shooting with large sensors. The 12mm t/2.9 Zero-D Cine is pretty lightweight for a PL mount lens at 1.4lbs/650g, with a minimum focus distance of 18cm.
Pricing and Availability
The three lenses should be available in the middle of 2019. No words from Laowa about pricing yet.
What do you think about these new cine-mod versions? Do you already own the photography version? Let us know in the comments down below!